Cherokee vs. Manchester: One’s got it wrong, the other’s got it right

I wish something would happen with Cherokee Street between Jefferson & Gravois. The acquisition prices for buildings are still reasonable and the architecture is gorgeous. Can you imagine what a building like the old Cinderella movie theater (2735 Cherokee – left) would look like if it was redeveloped? Unfortunately this is going to be easier said than done.

No offense to Alderman Craig Schimd (20th Ward), but his stance on rejuvenating the commercial district along Cherokee is really off the mark. I am no expert on his methods, but I do know that he is doing everything in his power to make it impossible for restaurants and bars to move in. He seems so obsessed with keeping away the “brown baggers” that he is running away those that might go in for a more classy atmosphere. Whats wrong with a nice martini bar? Or a wine & cheese place? Nearby Park West Grille (just north off Jefferson) seems to be doing ok with this kind of environment.

The area of Cherokee that goes through his ward, which runs from Ohio to Louisiana, is pretty dead in terms of positive development. The Benton Park West and Gravois Park Neighborhoods surrounding the district are in the same boat. I just don’t understand the die-hard opposition. Look at all the neighborhoods that have come back to life because of the influx of traffic caused by the opening of recreational establishments: the Central West End, Downtown, Lafayette Square, Soulard, Benton Park and even Forest Park Southeast (The Grove).

If you build interesting commercial venues, people are willing to come even if the area isn’t the greatest. Just look at Manchester in Forest Park Southeast. If you would have told me five years ago, that it would be a great nightlife destination, I would have laughed in your face. Today, the commercial district is home to places such as:

• White Flag Art Gallery
• FIVE
• Sweetie Pie’s
• The Kentucky Club
• After
• Atomic Cowboy
• Big Wheel Ad Agency
• Church Key
• R-Bar
• Novaks
• Freddies
• Newstead Tower Pub
• Agave Tequileria
• AMP
• Gramophone (coming soon)
• Everest Coffee (coming soon)

Thats a lot of growth really fast! And as this commercial sector has taken root, rental rates have skyrocketed and interest in residential development has gone through the roof. Now developers are fighting over vacant lots for infill and existing buildings for rehabs.

Since this method has worked so well for other neighborhoods, why not try it along Cherokee? Come on Mr. Schimd, lets forget our personal feelings towards alcohol and realize that thats how restaurants make money! If you let them build it, more commercial establishments will come. And so will the residents.

Fortunately there is some hope as a small portion of the district runs through Ken Ortmann’s
9th Ward. His section (running only two blocks from Ohio to Jefferson) is being targeted for a large new restaurant/bar called Foam. Details are scarce at this point, but it will supposedly be divided into a bar, a restaurant and coffee house. An interesting concept and one I hope works out. If this establishment would prove successful it could help promote the rest of the district. There are a lot of great buildings available in the area and something needs to get things moving. What do you think is the answer to getting this area moving?

* NOTE – If you live or own property in the 20th Ward, I encourage you to talk with Alderman Schmid about this problem. If the area would improve, anyone owning property in the vicinity would have have a nice payday. For info on how to contact the alderman, visit this website: http://stlcin.missouri.org/alderman/alderman.cfm?Ward=20. For more information about the commercial district check out there website:http://www.cherokeestation.com/